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Washburn takes turn in finale

Washburn takes turn in finale

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By Jim Street
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MLB.com |

Left-hander Jarrod Washburn has a tough act to follow in his second start of the season.

He spent much of Wednesday night charting the 111 pitches that Felix Hernandez threw at the Red Sox during a one-hit masterpiece, giving the Mariners a much-needed victory on one of the strangest road trips in franchise history.

After weathering four snow-outs in Cleveland and being rock-and-rolled to the tune of a 14-3 loss in this series opener, the Mariners' ship was righted with Hernandez's gem that came after a long stint between starts.

There is a 100 percent chance of rain, which is supposed to start in the morning and last until late afternoon.

The veteran lefty has an 11-10 career record and 3.89 ERA when pitching with at least six days of rest, compared to a 72-61 record and 4.05 ERA with five or fewer days between starts.

After being no-hit for 4 2/3 innings in Cleveland before escaping without a loss in the series opener against the Indians because the game was one out shy of becoming official, and being held to four hits on Tuesday, the Mariners' bats showed some life on Wednesday.

Designated hitter Jose Vidro had two hits and drove in a run, right fielder Jose Guillen had two hits and scored a run, Jose Lopez had two hits and scored once and catcher Kenji Johjima also had two hits.

Pitching matchupSEA: LHP Jarrod Washburn (0-0, 3.00 ERA)
Washburn had a quality start in his first outing of the season, holding the Athletics to two runs over six innings, but he was saddled with a no-decision when the bullpen faltered. He has a 1-2 career record and 3.60 ERA at Fenway Park.

BOS: RHP Tim Wakefield (0-1, 1.50 ERA)
The Mariners have always given the knuckleball specialist trouble, beating him eight times and losing on just three occassions. He was 0-1 against Seattle last season.

Player to watch
Left fielder Raul Ibanez is 8-for-25 in his career against Wakefield, while utilityman Willie Bloomquist is a perfect 4-for-4 against the right-hander.